Advice and guidance: Providers brand guidance standards 'not fitfor purpose'

Among the criticisms to the consultation, which ended on 16 March, the most stinging attack comes from the National Association of Connexions Partners (NACP), which says they are "seriously flawed and not fit for purpose".

The association criticises the way the standards are divided into minimum expectations and higher-level practice, calling for all providers to reach the same level. It also says it is not made clear who the standards apply to and calls for a framework of independent inspection.

Youth Access condemns the standards, first proposed in Youth Matters, for failing to fully address young people's needs.

The Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) criticises the "narrow understanding of diversity" within the document. It presses for details on the sanctions that will be applied to organisations falling below the standards and the rewards for exceeding them.